GDRFA Dubai Welcomes Kids with Popular Cartoon Characters at Dubai Airport

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, in collaboration with the Dubai Passport officers, has warmly received the first group of children arriving at Dubai International Airport, where kids were greeted by their favourite local cartoon characters, Salem and Salama, and Modhesh, a popular figure associated with the Dubai Shopping Festival, along with Dana.

Escorted from the aircraft's door, the children were taken to the passport counters, where they were given the unique opportunity to stamp their passports themselves. Furthermore, the children were presented with commemorative gifts and posed for photographs and videos alongside the cartoon characters.

The initiative comes as part of GDRFA’s ongoing efforts to foster an atmosphere of happiness during Eid Al Adha and is aligned with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DEE)'s campaign, supported by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE). The campaign marks the inauguration of the 29th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival, and focuses on providing a warm welcome to children travelling to Dubai by ensuring smooth entry procedures at designated counters.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of GDRFA, emphasized that the GDRFA, in collaboration with strategic partners, sought to create an extraordinary and unconventional experience for the opening of the children’s passport control counters. To make it truly special, it was decided that the first group of children stepping foot on the airport grounds would have the honour of launching the counters.

Lt. Gen. Al Marri noted that this special reception for children would continue throughout the Dubai Shopping Festival and beyond, as it is an intrinsic part of Dubai’s heritage to extend hospitality to all visitors.